POS1378 PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND BARRIERS TOWARDS EXERCISE AMONG PATIENTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: A. Adnine, F. Z. Taik, N. Soba, N. Takhrifa, F. Z. Aharrane, M. Fourtassi, F. E. Abourazzak
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> Physical activity (PA) is highly recommended in patient with osteoarthritis. Despite the major benefits of PA and exercise, patients with knee osteoarthritis report low level of PA and engage more in sedentary behavior (SB). Understanding the perception of these patients towards exercise is essential to help find better interventions. <h3>Objectives</h3> The Aim of this study is to assess the perception of benefits and barriers towards exercise among patients with knee osteoarthritis and analyze the associated factors. <h3>Methods</h3> This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted from April to September 2022. Patients with knee osteoarthritis were included then classified on the basis of the Kellgren and Lawrence radiograph scale. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Level of PA was assessed using (IPAQ-SF). Perceived benefits and barriers towards exercise was assessed using Perceived benefits and barriers to exercise scale (PBBS). Participants were also assessed for anxiety and depression (GAD-7) and (PHQ-9) scales respectively. <h3>Results</h3> A Total of 178 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean (±SD) age of 58.48 ± 9.9 years, 88.2% of them were females, and 69.1% had comorbidities. Mean (±SD) VAS pain score upon walking was 4.78 ± 2.21. According to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification, 64.4% of the patients had OA grade 2 and 25.6% had grade 3. Mean of Lequesne scale was 9.8 ± 3.8. The mean of PBBS benefits scale was 94.35 ± 20.25. The Mean of PBBS barriers scale was 27.01 ± 8.23. Top three ranked perceived benefits to exercise were (Mean ± SD): «Exercise improve my mental health» 3.53± 0.62, «My disposition is improved with exercise » 3.48 ±0.63 and «Exercise decreases feelings of stress and tension for me » 3.43± 0.65. Top three ranked perceived barriers to exercise were (Mean ± SD): «Exercise tires me» 2.42± 1.18, «I'm fatigued by exercise » 2.32 ± 1.17 and «Exercise is hard work for me» 2.27± 1.17. <h3>Conclusion</h3> In Our study, the most highly ranked perceived barriers to exercise reported were items related to physical exertion. Some studies have found similar findings in patients with multiple sclerosis (1) and HIV female patients [2]. Pain and handicap related to knee osteoarthritis were not associated with the perception of barriers to PA. The most highly rated perceived benefits to exercise were those related to improvements in mental health. Regular PA have shown to improve mood and fight depression, in addition depression often alter the perception of benefits and barriers to exercise as shown in our study. Screening and treating Depressive disorders is essential to help patient break the cycle. <h3>References</h3> [1]Stroud N, Minahan C, Sabapathy S. The perceived benefits and barriers to exercise participation in persons with multiple sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil. 2009;31(26):2216-22. [2]Johs NA, Kellar-Guenther Y, Jankowski CM, Neff H, Erlandson KM. A qualitative focus group study of perceived barriers and benefits to exercise by self-described exercise status among older adults living with HIV. BMJ Open. 2019 Mar 7;9(3):e026294. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.